curse like a pagan

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Synonym of swear like a trooper.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

When his father saw him he fumed terribly, cursing like a pagan, and asking whether his son were a roysterer fit for the gallows as well as a fool fit for a cassock.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “curse like a pagan” mean?

Synonym of swear like a trooper.

Is “curse like a pagan” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.